Members of the Women's Council of REALTORS (WCR) Tri-Cities Chapter and their guests gathered on December 14, 2011, at the Hilton Hotel, Newark, for their monthly luncheon which was sponsored by Acacia Creek Retirement Community, Union City, and Fremont Bank.

Great appreciation was shown for the hard work and dedication of the officers who have served in 2011: President Ann Gupta, President-Elect Anna May, VP Membership Jackie Alberti, Secretary George Duarte and Treasurer Russ Barto.

Those who have volunteered their services for 2012 were installed: President Anna May, President-Elect Greg Jones, VP Membership Viola "Vi" Scott, Secretary George Duarte and Treasurer Preiyaa Anand.

May has served as a Hayward Council member, president of South Hayward Rotary, an Alameda County Housing Authority commissioner and as the 2011 President-Elect for the WCR Tri-Cities Chapter. She understands the importance of strong programming and inclusiveness of the membership.

Jones graduated from high school when he was 16 and from college when he was 20. He was the youngest commissioned officer in the US Air Force while serving as a navigator flying the KC-135 aerial refueling military aircraft. Jones has served as city manager of the cities of Chico and Hayward. He and his wife, Anna May, own the Realty World Neighbors franchise in Hayward.

Scott entered the real estate industry in 2003 and joined WCR Tri-Cities Chapter in 2004. She served as Secretary in 2009, Education Chair the following year and is active in planning the WCR annual pot luck. She is a REALTOR with Better Homes and Gardens Mason-McDuffie, Fremont. Scott's colleagues describe her as a "giver" because she is always willing to help.

Duarte has served on several boards and now sits on the board of the Bay East Association of REALTORS. He was the 2008-09 chair of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. The owner of Elite Real Estate Properties, Fremont, is a strong advocate, effecting positive legislation within the real estate industry, locally as a Local Government Representative for Bay East and at state level representing the California Association of Mortgage Brokers. He has also served as the president of the California Association of Mortgage Bankers and is often consulted by the media. He was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year at the luncheon.

Anand was born in India and is a science graduate of Punjab University. She immigrated to the United States in 2000 with her husband. After buying a home in Fremont in 2003, she decided to become a REALTOR and is associated with Keller Williams, Fremont.

"New members have a superb opportunity to participate in a great organization. Generally, monthly WCR meetings have an educational speaker who imparts knowledge and information helpful to your business. The speaker program resumes in January 2012. Today's year-end meeting honors our past leadership and sees the induction of next year's board members," said Mike Riley, 2012 Regional VP for national WCR and past state and local President.

"You will be identified as the officers of the WCR Tri-Cities Chapter, dedicated to the best interest of the public and the welfare of your members. You will exemplify the best that REALTORS have to offer their profession. Guard this trust carefully," advised Riley.

The Chapter, which serves Hayward, Fremont, Union City and Newark, is committed to the success of its members who are drawn from all sectors of the real estate industry - REALTORS, real estate brokers, mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders, insurance brokers, home inspectors, pest control, home security, etc. Membership is an opportunity to connect with others' resources and expertise.

Goals include the empowerment of women for successful careers in real estate, though membership is open to all, advocacy for property rights and homeownership and the highest standards of professionalism. The program of speakers is designed to entertain yet inform. There are different levels of involvement within the Tri-Cities Chapter and opportunities to represent local members, regionally and nationally.

WCR Tri-Cities Chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Newark Hilton, 39900 Balentine Drive, Newark, and looks forward to the continued support of its membership and sponsors and to welcoming new members and support in 2012.